Jon Stinchcomb to Saints fans: Adjust your expectations (1 Viewer)

[Mississippi Saints Fan]

Of course, Stinch is right that we can't expect to see the same high, consistent level of play out of the offense game in and game out without Brees. On the other hand, even with Drew we weren't getting to the big dance. I know, I know, we should have in 2018 if not for the horrible non-call, and we lost in a decent game to the eventual Super Bowl champs last year. Nevertheless, what I am getting at is that I don't think it's going to be like night and day watching the Brees-less Saints. In fact, I think our defense will continue the recent trend of getting better and will be extremely competitive this year. It looks like, rather to everybody's surprise, that we could have our deepest and best front 7 ever under Payton. And if Adebo pans out, we'll be good in the secondary again. It's hardly inconceivable. The question is, of course, how good and how consistent the offense can be. There is a case for some optimism b/c it looks like this could be our best starting O line in some time, as I believe Ruiz is going to perform better in his second year with a full training camp under his belt, and McCoy is really coming into his own now. Our two tackles are among the best in the league. Peat remains something of a question mark but is above average in the run game. Mainly, he just needs to stay healthy. Secondly, Payton is not going to let the offense go into the tank. He's too good of an offensive mind not to come up with effective ways to utilize the talent that we have. Albeit, we're thin at WR, especially until CGM gets back on the field, but we're stacked at RB and should be better at TE than last year. I'm not willing to assume that this is going to be a down season at this point. I want to see how things develop on the field.

You're right about the defense. Everyone was freaking over losing several guys, but the majority of those we lost were simply depth pieces on this team to begin with. We've been so good at finding depth the last 4 years, that I think we are seeing that there shouldn't be much of a dropoff. The key is the young Adebo. If he can hold his own, we are going to be just fine on defense, I do believe. Obviously, offense is the main question mark, specifically QB and receiver. The QB change in itself is a huge adjustment, and it doesn't help to be thin at receiver on top of it. I really hope we are somehow able to pick up a playmaker there.

The defense looks like it will again be able to give our offense every chance to succeed, which is huge considering the potential weaknesses in the passing game. Hopefully once the starter is ultimately decided, the repetitions between the starter and the receivers will increase the overall consistency of the passing game, as everything hopefully starts to click. From the o-line to the QB to the receivers, everyone has to be on the same page, and having the QB locked in should help.

 

[NS_Saint]

We’ve never once since Sean took over lost the collective talent that we lost this off season and it isn’t close. I’m factoring in injuries and the two suspensions likely coming too.

I’m not saying losing Drew wasn’t tough, but Drew was nothing more than a good QB at the end. If we keep all our other talent and get a decent QB we still win 10 games, that’s not really debatable when you have top two roster and Payton.

But when we lost all that other talent and Drew as well, we dropped to a middle of the pack roster, and trust me, we didn’t drop there because we lost Drew. He was a part of it of course

I don't think Stinchcomb meant that the expectations for the team should be lowered, but that people shouldn't expect Hill, Winston or any future QB for the Saints to rise to the level of Drew Brees in his prime. Brees was a historically accurate QB and could throw his receivers open better than most to ever play the game. He also had impeccable timing and anticipation that most QBs don't have. The level of precision might never be there again but that doesn't mean Winston or Hill can't dominate and win games here. They will have to excell by doing the things they do well and be the best version of themselves.

I personally think this roster is good enough to go deep in the playoffs. It's been built to win without Drew for a few years now. We won a lot games over the last couple of years with Bridgwater and Hill filling in when Drew got hurt. Having a top 5 offensive line, pro bowl running back, and potentially a top 10 defense will help take pressure off any QB

 

[sfidc3]

I'll really miss the 2018 and before version of Drew Brees. But I really think we will have better QB play this year than the 2020 version of Drew Brees (with a torn rotator cuff and all)....

 

[tjharris]

I'll really miss the 2018 and before version of Drew Brees. But I really think we will have better QB play this year than the 2020 version of Drew Brees (with a torn rotator cuff and all)....

I didn't see it last night.
All 3 QBs aren't as accurate as Brees was.
Watching the game last night I was thinking how spoiled we were for the past 15 seasons by how accurate Brees had been for us.

 

[sfidc3]

I didn't see it last night.
All 3 QBs aren't as accurate as Brees was.
Watching the game last night I was thinking how spoiled we were for the past 15 seasons by how accurate Brees had been for us.

Our best offensive lineman and RB didn't play a single down. And both QB's can throw the ball downfield, if we can minimize the TO's I think we will be fine....I think Winston can be accurate, he just needs to be more consistent, I don't think Taysom's play made a good case for him, but again, want to see both with the 1st team offense....

Oh, and I went to TJ Harris, class of '78

 

[tjharris]

Our best offensive lineman and RB didn't play a single down. And both QB's can throw the ball downfield, if we can minimize the TO's I think we will be fine....I think Winston can be accurate, he just needs to be more consistent, I don't think Taysom's play made a good case for him, but again, want to see both with the 1st team offense....

Oh, and I went to TJ Harris, class of '78

I was born in 78 haha
No doubt Winston can be accurate and Hill to an extent.
But not at the same level as Drew. The threat of the long ball will open the offense up. Also, having a better running attack than 8 carries for 10 yards and 3 fumbles would be nice

 

[Mississippi Saints Fan]

I'll really miss the 2018 and before version of Drew Brees. But I really think we will have better QB play this year than the 2020 version of Drew Brees (with a torn rotator cuff and all)....

It would seem not impossible to not have better QB play vs what you mentioned, but it goes to show you how hard it is to replace a G.O.A.T., even an "old", injured one. Decision-making is what worries me. I'd rather have more balls thrown away vs. trying to make something happen and having a ton of interceptions. I'm sure that will be preached. As we saw from 2017 to now, the defense can keep us in games as long as we're not constantly turning the ball over and keeping them on the field.

 

[sfidc3]

I was born in 78 haha
No doubt Winston can be accurate and Hill to an extent.
But not at the same level as Drew. The threat of the long ball will open the offense up. Also, having a better running attack than 8 carries for 10 yards and 3 fumbles would be nice

Yes, I'm old....

I hear you, that is why I'm actually kind of encouraged about the offense this year. During our 9 game win streak last year we averaged over 30 runs a game, I really believe we are going to have a great running game that could make play action really effective. We were 6th in the NFL last year...

It's not SP's typical offense that has the run set up the pass but it sure worked for a lot of last year and I hope he goes back to it....

 

[showstopper]

Jameis hasn't really even played in over a year. Expected kinks and rust.

 

[Sguill]

They were talking specifically about losing Brees. The team's leader for the past 15 seasons.

Correct with if I'm wrong, but the Saints didn't lose Drew Brees he chose to retire. Furthermore what's with the can't replace a HOF QB. If history serves me correctly, the Steelers have done it, the Cowboys have done it the 49er's have done it. What I getting is that the fans are saying the Saints can''t do it. I think we will move along nicely and once CSP decides on his starter at QB, that player be it Winston or Hill will have a different perspective on what is needed to lead and probably be a better quarterback. Some rise to the challenge other falter and blame it everything except themselves. We'll see soon enough how it turns out. We were also rans for a long time, I don't think we're headed back in time.

 

[JvilleJoe]

I didn't see it last night.
All 3 QBs aren't as accurate as Brees was.
Watching the game last night I was thinking how spoiled we were for the past 15 seasons by how accurate Brees had been for us.

There are few QB's in the NFL who were as accurate as Drew, including his ability to throw receivers open. That is why he is one of the all time greats and a first ballot Hall of Fame QB!

 

[Outbackjack]

First ballot hall of gamers have come and gone on other teams before too.
And they are still lining it up every Sunday, just as we will do.
We have the coach, the GM, and the entire organization to win this season, or at least very soon in the near future.
We won’t be down long, if at all

 

[Snakehead]

Correct with if I'm wrong, but the Saints didn't lose Drew Brees he chose to retire. Furthermore what's with the can't replace a HOF QB. If history serves me correctly, the Steelers have done it, the Cowboys have done it the 49er's have done it. What I getting is that the fans are saying the Saints can''t do it. I think we will move along nicely and once CSP decides on his starter at QB, that player be it Winston or Hill will have a different perspective on what is needed to lead and probably be a better quarterback. Some rise to the challenge other falter and blame it everything except themselves. We'll see soon enough how it turns out. We were also rans for a long time, I don't think we're headed back in time.

I'm not saying you can't. I'm just giving context to the comments. The leadership loss of Bress is significant and can't be understated even if some are trying to do that by down playing his ability towards the end of his career.

 

[NeverGiveUP2]

They were talking specifically about losing Brees. The team's leader for the past 15 seasons.

It’s his leadership when thing go bad that we will miss. Down 17-0 I always felt we would still win with #9. That’s what Jameis or Taysom. Or dare I say Book. Are going to have to show us

 

[Ediddy7023]

They were talking about life after Drew Brees. You are going to have some good plays, you are going to have some bad plays but you don't replace a first ballot hall of famer.

I think that is what I'm trying to wrap my head around. I'm going to try to adjust expectations for this team.

Sean Payton took a picture of seat 1B on the team bus. It's the first time in 15 years it's been empty next to him.

It almost feels like a team going through mourning. It affects everyone.

Thi